Winter Travel Tips: Getting Ready for Skiing, High Altitude and Driving

Traveling in the winter means some extra considerations, compared to travelling when weather is warmer. If you don't live in a place that gets a real winter, then you might not know what to expect when traveling to a colder climate. A ski trip or a trip to the mountains means dealing with the snow and altitude.

Here are some tips to keep you comfortable, healthy and safe.

Some people tend to overdo it when going somewhere cold. Packing extra winter clothes takes up a lot of space in your suitcase and the extra bag charge on airplanes mean you have to think about what to bring. You should consider how much of it you really need. Think about how much time you are going to be outside. Unless you are visiting my parents and the heat is set to the usual 68 degrees, the places you'll visit will be heated so you don't have to dress like the Michelin Man just to walk from the car into the mall.

If you are going skiing or planning trip to the mountains, then cold weather clothing is a must and you shouldn't skimp. The most important body parts to think about when dealing with an extended period in cold weather are your feet, hands and head. The same pair of thick wool socks has been a part of my winter gear for years. Wool does a better job of keeping you warm even if they get a little wet. Bring them with you to try on ski boots or any shoes you might want to bring along. A stocking cap or other headwear should cover your ears. If you are planning on skiing, you can't underestimate the value of a good pair of gloves. If you don't want to shell out big bucks for gloves, then see if you can get your hands on more than one pair. Having a backup pair when the first pair gets wet can extend your time outside. It might not be as fashionable or as easy to grab your ski pole, but a pair of mittens (no separate fingers) is by far the warmest thing to wear on your hands. I keep a pair for the really cold days. As a bonus, a neck warmer keeps the wind out and you can pull it up over your face while sitting on the lift.

Dressing in layers is advisable if you are unfamiliar with how you are really going to be able to tolerate the cold. Since I moved into a warmer climate, I no longer buy winter coats for myself or the kids. I can put together an outfit wearing a couple of t-shirts, a hooded sweatshirt and my windbreaker that is as warm as a winter coat. A pair of long underwear or even Under Armor goes a long way. Anything that you can have that's tight to your body underneath your clothes makes a difference. If you are going skiing you will need a real winter coat unless you are not planning on falling or you are skiing in the spring. This is where it gets pricey if you are bringing the kids for a ski trip. Some places allow you to rent one piece snow suits. These are great, especially if you are going to ski face first any part of the time.

If you know somebody in the area you are travelling to, then you should ask if they have any cold weather gear you can borrow. Most people that live in cold weather areas have hats, gloves and sometimes even old winter coats they'd be glad to let you wear rather than spending a fortune on a winter wardrobe for the family that they might not ever wear again.

Just because it is cold doesn't mean you won't get a sun burn. Some of the worst sunburns I've had came from spending time out in the snow. Make sure you bring the sunscreen for your face. Having some UV filtering sunglasses is also a must. Most of the winter destinations I visit have low humidity compared to where I live. I bring stuff for my lips and rewetting drops for my contacts that I usually don't have to use at home.

Another thing to worry about is hydration. My brain seems to think that since it is cold I don't need as much water and I don't get thirsty. Your body works hard to keep warm in cold weather and you need to drink plenty of water.

If you are travelling to a high altitude, then you should read up on how to adjust to altitude and the signs of altitude sickness. Once a year I head up to the mountains and spend a week or two in a town that is over 8,000 feet above sea level. It takes me about three days for my body to adjust to the oxygen level at that altitude. It took a lot less time when I was a younger man and in better shape. Drink plenty of water and take it easy the first few days if you can. If you are going to dive right into physical activity on day one, be sure to recognize the signs of altitude sickness and take appropriate action.

Be cautious and aware when driving in winter conditions. Most places that normally have winter weather take good care of the roads, however, there can always be a patch of ice and there isn't much too be done while it is snowing hard. If you aren't experienced in driving on snow and ice, read up on it. There's no substitute for experience, but understanding some of the basics is important. Remember that even if you rent a four wheel drive vehicle that it doesn't mean it stops any better on ice than any other car. Don't panic if you start to slide. If you can remember one thing it would be to take your foot off the gas and resist the urge to hit the brakes. The best thing you can do is give yourself extra time to get places. Nobody will think any less of you for being late because you took extra time to be cautious or waited until the sun or sand trucks have had some time to take care of the ice.

If you have to travel a long distance in a car be sure to bring along emergency items so you are prepared to be stuck. Severe weather kits for your car are sold in many places or you can check out what they have in them and put those items your trunk before heading out. You probably have most of the things you'd need in your garage. One of the best things you can do is to let somebody know your route and timetable so they can send the cavalry should you get stuck someplace out of cell phone range. Having a shovel, sand (or kitty litter), jumper cables, and a heavy rope or chain that another car can use to pull you out of a jam has served me well in the past. I've used these things to help other people, too.

Have a fun and safe trip!